Pastoral Letter (Sept. 2017) – Building The Body Of Christ: Next Steps

“I give you a new commandment: love one another… This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (see John 13:34-35)

On June 28, 2017 the new parish of St. Catherine of Siena was formed from the previous parishes of Corpus Christi and Our Lady of Lourdes. A new Pastor, Fr. Mark Gatto, and Associate Pastor, Fr. David Reitzel, were appointed to this new parish. Also, Deacon Tom Vert will now be assigned to serve at both sites. At the present time both previous sites will remain open as the locations serving this parish. The plan is to build a new church and facilities on land owned by the Diocese at the south area of Rymal and Sherman. At that time, the previous sites will be sold with the proceeds coming to the our parish. The following words of Pope Francis are directed to us in a particular way with this new mission:

“I dream of a ‘missionary’ option, that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation.” (Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, #27)

A Catholic parish is called to be the living body of Christ, with all parishioners becoming true disciples of Jesus. Our mission will be to become the presence of the church on the South Hamilton Mountain. The new church building will be a visible sign of this living parish community. This will require us to be united in spirit. All will be needed to support this project with prayer, service, financial support and cooperation. We hope to form a welcoming, spirit filled parish community. In this move, we do not want to forget the poor, the seniors and shut-ins, so that they continue to be cared for by the parish. We also want to evangelize this new area, including young families, and working with our Catholic schools (see parish bulletin for list of parish schools).

Fr. David and I look forward to sharing in this exciting mission with all of you, the People of God, in this new parish. We ask for the intercession of St. Catherine of Siena in these efforts.

Fr. Mark Gatto

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20)